Georgia is a country with full of natural beauty, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The country nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. From its snow-capped mountains to its lush green valleys, there is everything that needs to create memories that last a lifetime.
The capital city of Tbilisi boasts cultural heritage from ancient times, with stunning architecture and diverse cuisine that reflects the nation’s many influences over the centuries. Tourist destinations like Kazbegi National Park provide breathtaking views of nature and wildlife, while Batumi offers thrilling entertainment options along its stunning black sea coast.
For those looking to establish long-term residence, obtaining a Georgia residence permit opens doors to numerous opportunities, including business ventures, access to quality healthcare, and an immersive cultural experience. From vibrant cities to sleepy villages, Georgia has something for everyone.
| 1. Short-term Georgia Residence Permit | 2. Georgia Residence Permit by Investment | 3. Does Georgia Offer Citizenship? |
| 4. Benefits of Georgia Residency |
Georgia has a residency by investment program for those looking for a faster, easier way to gain legal residence. This program allows foreign investors to purchase a property or invest in a business in Georgia and become eligible for residence status. Becoming a resident of Georgia offers many benefits, from living legally in the country to travelling freely within the Schengen area countries.
Overview of Georgia’s Residency Programs
Georgia provides multiple conduits to get permanent residency and citizenship such as residency by investment, family reunion, job, and protracted legal stay. Usually, non-nationals first obtain a temporary residence permit—most often through real estate investment (minimum $100,000), employment, education, or family association—which then has to be renewed over several years. After living legally in the country for a minimum of six years the applicants get the right to submit their application for permanent residence which entails rights e.g. unlimited stay, work, banking, and family reunification. The holders of the permanent resident status may apply for Georgian citizenship after ten years of legal residence, when they have additional requirements, such as language skills, and knowledge of Georgian law, fulfilled.
1. Short-term Georgia Residence Permit
A short-term Georgia residence permit extending to 1 year is granted to individuals and their dependants/spouses who, by Georgian law, are owners of a non-agricultural immovable property with a market value greater than 100,000 USD equivalent in GEL. Applicants can manage a single asset or invest in a portfolio of assets with an aggregate worth exceeding the minimum value. If residency status is obtained, and then the value of the property falls under the agreed-upon threshold, unfortunately, it will result in a revocation of said permit.
To gain eligibility for a short-term residence permit, the market value of the applicant’s property must be verified by an accredited assessor recognised and certified by the Accreditation Center – the Legal Entity under the Public Law Unified National Accreditation Body.
A short-term Georgia residence permit is available to individuals who own non-agricultural property worth over USD 100,000. This permit is valid for up to one year and is renewable.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Ownership of real estate valued above USD 100,000
- Verification of property value by a certified Georgian assessor
- Dependents and spouse are included in the permit
2. Georgia Residence Permit by Investment
The Investment Residence Permit for Georgia is granted to foreign investors who have invested at least $300,000 in Georgia, as stipulated by the Law of Georgia on Promotion and Guarantees of Investments. This investment can be made in a Georgian business or real estate. The permit extends its privileges not only to the investor but also to their respective family members. Family members include the applicant’s spouse, underage offspring, and other dependents.
If a real estate investment is made, the applicant must maintain real estate ownership or replace any sold property with new real estate, equalling its original value for the next five years. After this period elapses, they will be eligible for permanent residency status.
The Investment Residence Permit is designed for investors contributing USD 300,000 or more to Georgia’s economy through real estate or business investments.
Benefits include:
- Residency for the investor and family members (spouse and dependents)
- Access to Georgia’s growing business and investment opportunities
- Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
Investment requirements:
- Maintain real estate ownership for at least five years or reinvest equivalent value if sold
- Investment in a Georgian-registered business is also eligible
3. Does Georgia Offer Citizenship?
Georgian citizenship can be achieved through naturalisation. The president of Georgia has the authority to grant Georgian citizenship, and this decision is formalised by presidential decree. The procedure necessitates the following requirements to be met:
- The applicant must have been a legal and uninterrupted resident of Georgia for at least five years prior to submitting their application.
- To prove lawful and continuous residency in Georgia, the applicant must possess a valid Georgian visa, residence permit, or card; alternatively, they can carry a stamp displaying the date of entry into this nation’s border.
- Demonstrate a proficient level of Georgian language proficiency to pass the special commission’s exam.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the country’s history and legislation through an assessment by a special commission.
- Own real estate in Georgia, engage in entrepreneurial activities within its borders or have an interest/shareholding in a business located in the country.
For those seeking a faster route to obtaining citizenship by investment, the Georgia investment plan provides an opportunity to secure legal status through significant financial contributions. This pathway is particularly attractive for investors looking to establish strong economic ties in the country while enjoying the benefits of Georgian citizenship.
Georgia offers citizenship primarily through naturalisation, and citizenship by investment.
Requirements for naturalisation:
- Legal residency in Georgia for at least 5 years
- Proof of continuous residency (visa, residence permit, or border stamp)
- Proficiency in Georgian language and knowledge of Georgian history and laws
- Ownership of property, entrepreneurial activity, or shareholding in a Georgian business
Citizenship by Investment:
- Available for significant economic contributors
- Offers faster access to Georgian citizenship for investors and their families
4. Benefits of Georgia Residency
The investors and families who acquire residency in Georgia will benefit a lot from these great reasons:
- Low expenses – it is among the cheapest places in Europe and Asia
- No taxation on income earned abroad – only income from within Georgia is liable to tax
- Business-friendly location – 7th in the world for doing business easily
- Great geographic location – Europe and the Middle East are just a short distance away
- Quality living – healthcare, education, and culture available
About Passport Legacy
With over 25 years of combined experience, Passport Legacy provides personalized guidance for investors seeking residency or citizenship through investment in Georgia and other countries.We offer tailor-made services to our discerning clients, such as obtaining alternative residences or citizenship and the purchase of real estate.
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FAQs
Do I have to be in Georgia all the time to maintain my residency status?
You are not required to reside in Georgia all the time to keep your residency status. However, it will be advisable for you to visit the state from time to time and make a property or investment that will be under the residency rules.
What is the processing time for the permanent residency application in Georgia?
Investors can start the process of getting permanent residency after keeping their investment for a minimum of five years. The time of processing varies, but it usually takes a few months for the applications to be reviewed.
What are the reasons for becoming a Georgia resident?
A few of the perks that come along with this are:
- Non-taxation of world-wide income (only Georgian-sourced income is taxed)
- Cheap property and living costs
- Good for business, the country is in the top 10 for this globally
- Being situated in a strategic location between Europe, Asia and the Middle East
Do I have the right to submit my family members with my Georgia residence application?
The Georgia Investment Residence Permit is not just for the applicant but also covers applicant’s wife, and children under 18, and other dependents. All the family members will have the same right to reside in the country as the main investor.
What is the process for obtaining permanent residency in Georgia?
A foreign national needs to have a legal residence in the country with a valid residence permit for five years before he or she can apply for permanent residency.
However for those who invest at least $300,000 in real estate or business in Georgia the time limit can be cut down to 1 year and they can also apply for the Investment Residence Permit.
This is basically the first step to permanent residency after five years the investment and residency status can be extended to family members.
Which is the way to become a citizen of the country Georgia?
Naturalization is the normal way of getting Georgian citizenship.
